Work

Population structure and pest dynamics of invasive whiteflies, rugose spiraling whitefly (Aleurodicus rugioperculatus) and bondar nesting whitefly (Paraleyrodes bondari) on oil palm

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Globalization of trade occasionally resulted in unwanted biological invasions incurring huge monetary losses. The recent alien whitefly complex on palms in India viz., rugose spiraling whitefly (RSW), Aleurodicus rugioperculatus Martin and bondar nesting whitefly (BNW), Paraleyrodes bondari Peracchi are well dispersed and established. Although both are coexisting on oil palm, the distribution patterns and population dynamics are studied using population counts of four fronds at four directions and at three locations per frond (base middle and tip) taken over four months (February, March, April and May, 2022) on 36 palms of a garden. The results revealed that both species preferred tip leaflets of frond with no significant difference between middle and tip leaflets in case of RSW and with a clear significant preference of tip leaflets in case of BNW. Specific preference of palms, population variation over time and locations are revealed. The reduction in population over time was prevalent in RSW. These results help in understanding the population dynamics and designing effective management tools against both the pests as unified program.

Source: International Journal of Tropical Insect Science

DOI: 10.1007/s42690-026-01843-1

Authors: A R. N. S. Subbanna, S. Sai Tejasri, Sandip Shil, CH. Chinnabbai, N. Emmanuel

Institutions: Indian Institute of Oil Palm Research, Dr. Y.S.R Horticultural University, Indian Council of Agricultural Research, Central Plantation Crops Research Institute

Language: English

Topic: Research on scale insects

Subfield: Insect Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Life on land

Open Access status: green

Funder: Indian Council of Agricultural Research